Sushi Ari Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Puyallup

When first we visited, a year and a half ago, it was superb. Yet, with each subsequent visit, it has diminished in regard.

Last night, however, was the latest low.

First, fish presented as yellow tail was not yellowtail tuna. Perhaps they are playing with the word, but what was served was not even close.

Second, the fish in the rolls was tired, not as fresh as it could - and should - have been. They also were poorly prepared, and in some cases, haphazardly presented.

Among the "tired" (old) fish was "salmon". Again, they are playing with the word, as what was in the rolls was chum, at best, and what was outside was likely steelhead, which is actually a saltwater trout.

Additionally, several of those fish were exceptionally slippery and limp, not fresh and firm, which is characteristic of what should be served.

Third, the glasses and flatware were - again - poorly cleaned. Every glass should be flawless and every plate without any evidence of its previous use. That was not the case.

Lastly, and most importantly for future customers to know, during the preparation of food, I saw one of the two chefs, with a gloved hand, run his fingers through his gelled hair repeatedly, then carefully position his baseball cap on his head, and go back to food preparation - without putting on new gloves.

That is a grotesque health violation. It is especially egregious given that the food preparation involves raw fish.Witnessing that made the meal less than pleasant for me and for my family.

Given how much one can spend on a meal for a family, what was served was exceptionally disappointing, among the worst sushi experiences in America that I have had in my many decades of life and travel.

Use caution when visiting Sushi Ari in the future. We will, that's for certain; truth is, we simply may not...

So we put our order in according to my receipt at 8:34 pm. The lady who took my card and charged me 82 dollars for a saki a beer and 5 rolls. Which is fine I know it's a bit expensive. But she said it would only take 15 minutes for our order to be ready. My husband and I sat at a table talking listening to music being silly. When it seemed we had been sitting there for a long time. I get my phone out and it's been 40 minutes. We ask one of the girls if our food is ready she says soon. Now my husband is done with his saki 10 minutes ago and my beer is also gone and we are still waiting. We both got up and stood by the counter looking into the kitchen and then they started scrambling around trying to get our food ready. Anyway about an hour went by and we finally get our food. Take it home and the ginger is so strong it takes my breath away. There is no wasabi in any of our rolls and I was not impressed with the sushi. The rice coating was so thin that the rolls were falling apart. I've been to this place and have had some great sushi, today it was pretty awful I'm sorry to say. I was not be going back again to have bad service then bad sushi after spending over 80 dollars there you would think they would put some effort into their rolls and not have them fall apart and taste a lot fresher. Very disappointed...

*UPDATED REVIEW I've got to believe this place is under new ownership. I left the previous 5 star review 6 years ago. This is not the same in anyway. Last night the quality was so awful, we will never go back, EVER. We ordered for 3 people a to go order $130!!!! Highway robbery. Two different rolls had old, stale fried elements that were like chewing rubber, so gross! The size of the $15.99 rolls were so small they fit 4 rolls into one to go container with about an inch room around the edge! Ridiculous. Previous review no longer valid! I've been eating sushi for over 30 years all over the country. Sushi Ari is in my top 3 of all time. Fantastic quality fish, all ingredients are fresh and sauces are homemade. They put time into making the little touches perfect ( just the right amount of roe, thin slices of lemon, etc.). They have some unique rolls and favorite standards. I recommend the Shiso tacos, surprisingly​ worthwhile starter. As others have said, the blushing geisha roll with the pickled dicon is my favorite. Also up there is the 'Kiss me mucho' roll. Owners are friendly and seem to love what they do. Exceptional service and just a general happy vibe. Haven't experienced such hospitality in years.

My teenage son was humming during his dinner and said every bite...